U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Bakhmut has more symbolic than operational value, and its fall would not necessarily mean Russia has regained momentum in its military efforts.

Bakhmut has more symbolic than operational value, and its fall would not necessarily mean Russia has regained momentum

Zaluzhnyi was deliberating a tactical withdrawal from Bakhmut weeks ago over concern for the wellbeing of his troops.

Zelensky said there is no part of Ukraine that can be abandoned and ordered forces to help in Bakhmut

Russian mobilized soldiers from Krasnodar refused to attack due to heavy losses and lack of preparation, alleging they were sent to assaults every other day in the Donetsk region.

Soldiers claim that on February 22, 2023, they stormed a village with fortified Ukrainian positions without artillery preparation and suffered losses on the approaches.

Russian soldiers alleged that wounded comrades lay on the battlefield for nearly 6 hours before being captured by Ukrainian forces.